Australia Approves First Government-Ordered Shark Kill

Adult great white sharks have an average size of 13-17 feet. Photo: Shutterstock

Earlier this month, West Australian Fisheries staff baited lines from two boats in their effort to capture and kill a Great White Shark under the country’s “imminent threat” guidelines.

If they succeed, the shark will be the first ever killed by government order. The guidelines were created last year in response to a series of five fatal shark attacks in 10 months. They allow for any shark that poses an imminent threat to people to be caught and killed.

The 3-4 meter great white is believed to have established itself at a swimming beach in southwest Australia, about 250 kilometers south of Perth. The sightings began around Christmas, and officials believe it’s the same shark that continues to appear along the coast. Now, sightings are reported almost daily.